Automated banking machine which dispenses, receives and stores notes and other financial instrument sheets

ABSTRACT

An exemplary ATM ( 10 ) includes a fascia ( 12 ) which extends on the outside of a wall ( 14 ) and includes a user interface ( 15 ). Responsive to user inputs through the user interface, the ATM is operative to receive a stack of currency notes ( 84 ) from a user. A currency note stack can be evaluated through operation of a currency note validator device ( 88 ). Acceptable currency notes can be stored in the ATM for recycling. Unacceptable currency notes can be routed to a bulk storage area ( 100 ). The ATM also includes an exemplary note picking arrangement to pick currency notes from a received stack, including use of contact and non-contact stripping rollers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/688,670filed Oct. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,236, which claims benefitpursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Applications60/419,681 filed Oct. 18, 2002 and 60/435,153 filed Dec. 19, 2002, andthe disclosures of each of the foregoing applications are hereinincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically thisinvention relates to automated banking machines that have the capabilityof receiving financial instrument sheets such as notes, checks, andother documents from users. This invention also relates to automatedbanking machines that dispense financial instrument sheets to users ofthe machines.

BACKGROUND ART

The common type of automated banking machine used by consumers is anautomated teller machine (“ATM”). ATMs enable customers to carry outbanking transactions. Banking transactions carried out using ATMs mayinclude the dispensing of cash, the making of deposits, the transfer offunds between account and account balance inquiries. The types ofbanking transactions a customer can carry out are determined by thecapabilities of the particular banking machine and the programming ofthe institution operating the machine.

Other types of automated banking machines may be operated by merchantsto carry out commercial transactions. These transactions may include,for example, the acceptance of deposit bags, the receipt of checks orother financial instruments, the dispensing of rolled coin or othertransactions required by merchants. Still, other types of automatedbanking machines may be used by service providers in a transactionenvironment such as at a bank to carry out financial transactions. Suchtransactions may include for example, the counting and storage ofcurrency notes or other financial instrument sheets, the dispensing ofnotes or other sheets, the imaging of checks or other financialinstruments, and other types of service provider transactions. Forpurposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine shall be deemedto include any machine that may be used to carry out transactionsinvolving transfers of value.

Many types of automated banking machines are required to handlefinancial instrument sheets. Such sheets may include for example, notes,checks or other documents that are representative of value. In somecases the financial instrument sheets may have varying properties fromsheet to sheet. For example some sheets may be new and crisp whileothers that are equally valid may be used and worn. Alternatively,financial instrument sheets may be of different types which havedifferent properties. These may include for example combinations ofdocuments such as notes and checks which may be comprised of differenttypes of paper or plastic materials. Mechanisms which may separate eachindividual sheet from a stack rapidly and reliably, particularly insituations where the sheets have diverse properties, present challenges.

Automated banking machines are often positioned in locations that aresometimes unattended by bank officials or representatives of otherentities owning the machines. In such cases security features aredesirable to make it more difficult for criminals to attack the machineand attain access to the valuable financial instrument sheets that maybe housed therein.

Some automated banking machines are operated under conditions where theyare exposed to the elements. In such situations rain or snow may enteropenings in the machine and cause problems. This may be particularlytrue of sensitive mechanisms within the machine that handle financialinstrument sheets.

Automated banking machines are useful because they perform bankingfunctions in a generally rapid and reliable manner. However there aresituations where machines must go out of service for preventivemaintenance or remedial service. In such cases it is desirable to enablean unauthorized servicer to complete the maintenance activity asexpeditiously as possible. This is desirably done by enabling readyaccess to the interior of the machine authorized servicers whileminimizing the risk of unauthorized access by criminals.

Thus, there exists a need for automated banking machines with improvedproperties related to handling financial instrument sheets, weatherresistance, security and service capabilities.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine that has improvedcapabilities for handling financial instrument sheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine which providesenhanced security.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine that facilitates useroperation.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine that has improvedweather resistance.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine that provides improvedservice access.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention willbe made apparent in the following Best Modes For Carrying Out Inventionand the appended claims.

Certain of the foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplaryembodiment of the invention by an automated banking machine which is anautomated teller machine (“ATM”). The ATM includes a user interfacewhich includes input devices for receiving identifying inputs thatidentify user accounts, as well as inputs from users that cause themachine to carry out transaction functions. The user interface furtherincludes one or more output devices that output indicia such asinstructions for a user in operating the machine.

The exemplary embodiment includes a cash acceptor mechanism that iscapable of receiving a stack of documents from a user. In the exemplaryembodiment the stack of documents may include a stack of notes ofvarious denominations or a stack comprising mixed types of financialinstrument sheets such as notes and checks. In order to identify andprocess these financial instrument sheets, the exemplary embodimentincludes a mechanism which operates to separate each sheet individuallyfrom the stack. This is accomplished in the exemplary embodiment throughmovement of a picking member which includes a plurality of sheetengaging portions which engage a first sheet bounding the stack and urgethe sheet to move in a first direction. In the exemplary embodiment thesheet engaging portions are separated by recesses which extend along thefirst direction. To reduce the risk that any sheets other than the firstsheet are separated from the stack, a first stripper portion isgenerally aligned with at least one recess. The first stripper portionengages the first sheet on a face thereof opposed from the face of thesheet engaged by the sheet engaging portions. This first stripperportion is generally not in a contacting stripping engagement with thepicking member, and remains disposed therefrom a sufficient distance toenable the first sheet to pass in intermediate relation between thepicking member and the first stripping portion.

In the exemplary embodiment the engagement of the first sheet with thepicking member and the first stripper portion is operative to impart across-sectional wave configuration to the sheet. Imparting thiscross-sectional wave configuration and the forces imparted by thepicking member and the first stripper portion generally operate toseparate the first sheet bounding the stack from other sheets in thestack.

In the exemplary embodiment a second stripper portion is provided and isengaged by the first sheet as it moves in the first direction after thesheet has been engaged by the first stripper portion. The secondstripper portion is generally engaged in contacting stripping engagementwith the picking member. The second stripper portion is biased towardthe picking member with such force that sheets other than the firstsheet moving in the first direction are prevented from moving past thesecond stripper portion while the first sheet is enabled to pass betweenthe picking member and the second stripper portion. In the exemplaryembodiment the relative movement of the picking member in strippingengagement with the second stripper portion is operative in most casesto separate additional sheets from the first sheet that have not beenseparated by the first stripper portion. For example, financialinstrument sheets may have different frictional and rigidity propertiesfrom sheet to sheet. For this reason the sheets that are not separatedby the action of the picking member and the first stripper portion, willoften be separated by the action of the picking member and the secondstripper portion.

In the exemplary embodiment the picking member comprises a generallycylindrical member with arcuate high friction segments thereon forengaging the sheet. The high friction segments in the exemplaryembodiment are separated by annular recesses. In the exemplaryembodiment the first stripper portion includes a surface of a pluralityof rollers that are positioned in generally opposed but non-contactingengagement with the annular recesses. The first stripper rollers in theexemplary embodiment are each in operative connection with a one-wayclutch which resists movement of the rollers in a rotational directionin which the rollers are urged to move as the first sheet is beingseparated by the stack. The one-way clutches, however, enable readymovement of the sheet in the opposite direction so as to return a sheetto the stack. This may be done in some embodiments when it is detectedthat a double sheet has been picked and it is desired to reverse thesheet in an attempt to strip all but a single sheet. In the exemplaryembodiment the second stripper portion includes a surface of at leastone contacting stripper roll that is biased into stripping engagementwith a sheet engaging portion of the picking member. The contactingstripper roll is similarly in operative connection with a one-way clutchso as to resist movement of the sheet being removed from the stack toprovide stripping while enabling movement of the sheet to return to thestack. It should be understood, however, that this arrangement isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM further includes a housing. Thehousing includes a fascia which includes elements of the user interfaceand which extends through an exterior wall of a structure. The ATMhousing within the structure includes a secure chest portion in a lowerpart of the housing. In the exemplary embodiment the chest is agenerally L-shaped chest in cross section. In the exemplary embodimentthe L-shaped chest has a sheet accepting mechanism such as a cashacceptor device positioned in supporting connection with the chest. Thecash accepting mechanism is operative to analyze sheets that have beenseparated from the stack by operation of the picking member and stripperportions, and to direct sheets that are to be stored in the machine intothe chest portion through an opening in an upper surface of the chest.In an exemplary embodiment the cash accepting mechanism is movablymounted in supporting connection with the chest so that when a servicedoor of the housing is opened, the cash acceptor mechanism may be movedrearward for purposes of servicing.

In the exemplary embodiment because the cash accepting mechanism ispositioned outside the secure chest and may be moved to expose theopening, provisions are made for minimizing the risk that criminals mayaccess the financial instrument sheets in the chest through the cashaccepting opening. This is accomplished in the exemplary embodiment byproviding a transport which moves financial instrument sheetstransported into the chest from the cash acceptor, in a directiontransverse to the cash accepting opening in the chest. After movingtransversely relative to the cash accepting opening, the sheets are thentransported to a note storage mechanism that may be comprised of storagecompartments or other mechanisms for handling the sheets. In anexemplary embodiment a security plate is provided in intermediaterelation between the transport which moves the sheets transversely fromthe opening of the chest, and the note storage mechanism. The securityplate reduces the ability of a criminal to access stored sheets throughthe cash accepting opening. Further, in the exemplary embodiment thedriving force for the transport is provided by engagement of a drivingmember of the cash acceptor mechanism with a driven member through thecash accepting opening. The presence of these members within the openingfurther obstructs the opening and reduces the risk that a criminal willbe able to access stored financial instrument sheets.

In the exemplary embodiment the cash accepting mechanism is providedwith a chute for receiving stacks of documents from the user. In theoperative position of the cash acceptor mechanism the opening to thechute is controlled by a gate. However, as can be appreciated, it isnecessary for the machine to open the gate to enable a user to place orremove sheets from the chute. In some circumstances rain, snow andmoisture may enter the chute when the gate is open. The presence ofrain, snow or moisture in the chute may interfere with the properoperation of the machine. To minimize this risk in the exemplaryembodiment, a water capturing opening is provided in a lower surface ofthe interior of the chute. The water capturing opening is operative tocapture moisture that may enter the chute and the collected moisture isrouted in an exemplary embodiment to a drain to that is in fluidcommunication with the outside of the machine housing. In the exemplaryembodiment the drain is provided through a lower surface of the fascia.Also in the exemplary embodiment because the cash acceptor mechanism ismovable, a resilient gasket is provided in generally surroundingrelation with the chute and interiorly of the fascia. In the operativeposition of the cash acceptor mechanism the resilient gasket provides agenerally fluid type seal such that water, snow or other elements arenot enabled to migrate into the interior of the housing through theopening in the fascia through which the chute extends in its operativeposition.

In the exemplary embodiment the cash acceptor mechanism is operative tostore unacceptable sheets such as suspected counterfeit notes in asuspect note storage area outside the secure chest. In the exemplaryembodiment authorized servicers who have access to the area of thehousing outside the secure chest are enabled to remove theseunacceptable sheets. A readily accessible closure device is provided tofacilitate the removal of these suspect sheets by authorized persons.Further, in some embodiments locking mechanisms may be provided not onlyfor the housing area outside the secure chest, but also a separatelocking mechanism for the particular compartment in which theunacceptable sheets are stored. This assures that the unacceptablesheets are only accessed by authorized persons while still assuring thatother authorized persons can access appropriate machine componentswithout accessing the stored unacceptable sheets.

In the exemplary embodiment the cash acceptor mechanism further includesclosure panels which generally surround the components within themechanism. These closure panels when in the operative position reducethe risk of migration of dirt or other contaminants into the mechanismthey also reduce the risk of inadvertent damage to the mechanism whenother components are being serviced. In the exemplary embodiment theseclosure panels are made readily openable through hinged or slidingarrangements that enable the panels to be opened when the mechanism isin a servicing position. In exemplary embodiments an approach is usedfor mounting closure panels to facilitate gaining access to thecomponents of the cash accepting module, while assuring that the panelswill be replaced upon completion of any repair activity. This assuresthat the benefits provided by the closure panels are not inadvertentlylost due to the failure to reinstall such panels after the completion ofthe servicing activity.

In some exemplary embodiments currency sheets accepted by the cashacceptor mechanism are stored in selected compartments. This enablesstoring of each type of sheet in a particular compartment. In someembodiments mechanisms are provided for re-dispensing such sheets fromthe compartment so as to enable recycling of valid sheets. Inalternative embodiments sheets that have been validated by the cashaccepting mechanism are stored in one or more storage containers. Insome exemplary embodiments the storage containers include an interiorarea which is bounded at the lower end by a moveable shaker member. Theshaker member supports deposited sheets in the interior area. Anactuator is in operative connection with the shaker member so as toimpart shaking action to the deposited items within the interior of thecontainer. This facilitates the dispersal and settling of the items soas to facilitate storing the maximum number of items in the container.In some exemplary embodiments the container is removable from themachine. In some further exemplary embodiments the container includesrollable supports and a retractable handle so as to facilitate movingthe container out of and away from the machine when it has been filledwith deposit items. Although the exemplary embodiment is described withregard to storing sheets, the principles may be applied to the storageof other items such as tickets and deposit envelopes.

In some exemplary embodiments of the machine the user interface includesmulticolor light emitting devices so as to facilitate a user's operationof the machine. In some exemplary embodiments the light emitting devicesare selectively controlled by at least one controller in the machine toemit light of a selected color responsive to conditions of associatedtransaction function devices. For example, the controller may operate toguide a user to a location on the user interface where the user isrequired to perform some activity related to a transaction. In someexemplary embodiments the light emitting devices selectively emit green,yellow and red and may be operated to indicate a status or condition ofa particular device. Alternatively, light emitting devices may flash thesame or different colors at varying rates so as to convey information orfacilitate use of the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments the user interface of the machine isprovided with horizontally disposed convex mirrors positioned verticallyabove the user interface. Such mirrors are positioned so as tofacilitate the ability of a user of the machine to view an area behindand otherwise near the user. This reduces the risk of persons inproximity to the user not being observed by the user carrying outtransactions at the machine. The exemplary horizontally disposed convexmirrors are further positioned outward relative to a light whichilluminates the user interface to facilitate the user's operation. Thisreduces the risk of glare and facilitates the user's ability to view thearea observable in the mirrors.

Further novel aspects of the exemplary embodiment will be made apparentin the following detailed description. It should be understood that thefeatures described are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used which nonetheless employ the inventions asclaimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an ATM fascia of an automated bankingmachine of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of components within a housing of theATM shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a further schematic side view of components within the housingof the ATM shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view of a sheet stacking mechanism which may be employed inan exemplary embodiment of the ATM.

FIG. 5 is a further view of the exemplary sheet stacking mechanism whichmay be used to hold multiple types of sheets.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the housing of the ATM of the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a mechanism forseparating sheets from a stack of financial instrument sheets placedwithin the ATM.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of an exemplary picking member incombination with a plurality of non-contacting stripper rolls and acontacting stripper roll used for separating individual sheets from thestack.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing separation of a first sheet from asheet stack through operation of the mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a cross-sectional wave configuration impartedto a sheet through action of the picking member and the non-contactingstripper rolls.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a cash acceptor mechanism moved to aservicing position and exposing the cash accepting opening in an upperportion of the chest of the ATM.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the cash acceptor mechanism withdrawn forservicing similar to FIG. 11 and with a first embodiment of an accessdoor in an open position for purposes of accessing unacceptable sheetswhich have been identified through operation of the cash acceptormechanism.

FIG. 13 is a view of the ATM similar to FIG. 12 but with an alternativeaccess mechanism for accessing unacceptable sheets.

FIG. 14 is yet another view of the ATM similar to FIG. 12 showing afurther alternative mechanism for accessing unacceptable sheets.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the cash acceptor mechanism with a firstform of service panel shown in an open position for purposes ofservicing.

FIG. 16 is a view of the cash acceptor mechanism similar to FIG. 15 butwith an alternative form of service panels shown in an accessibleposition.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a chute to and from whichstacks of sheets are received and removed through the fascia of themachine, and including devices for capturing and draining water whichmay enter the chute.

FIG. 18 is an external isometric view of the cash acceptor-mechanismrepresented in FIG. 17 and including a schematic representation of thedrain used, for passing water collected in the chute to the outside ofthe machine.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view representative of a sealing system used inan exemplary embodiment to minimize the risk of contaminants enteringthe machine through the opening in the machine fascia through which thechute extends in an operative position of the cash acceptor mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a transparent side view of an alternative form of a mechanismfor accepting and storing financial instrument sheets that have beenprocessed by the cash acceptor mechanism.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the financial instrument holdingcontainer shown in FIG. 20, moved outside the machine.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a light emitting device which is operatedto facilitate use of the machine by users.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the light emitting device shown in FIG.22.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the light emitting diodes included in thelight emitting device.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible web which includes thediodes in the light emitting device.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the fascia shown in FIG. 1 andparticularly the mirrors thereon which facilitate a user viewing thearea adjacent to them when operating the machine.

FIG. 27 is a schematic top view indicating the area viewable by a useroperating the machine.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein a front plan view of an automated banking machine which in theexemplary embodiment is an automated teller machine (“ATM”) 10. ATM 10is a through-the-wall type machine which includes a fascia 12. Fascia 12is accessible to users of the machine who are positioned externally ofthe wall 14. In some embodiments wall 14 may be an exterior buildingwall and ATM 10 may be used in a walk-up or drive-up environment. Inother embodiments the ATM may be used in an indoor environment. Ofcourse this configuration is exemplary and in other embodiments, othertypes of ATM configurations may be used.

The exemplary ATM includes a user interface generally indicated 15. Theuser interface of the exemplary embodiment includes input devices forreceiving inputs from users. These input devices include a card reader16, a keypad 18, function keys 20 and an imaging device 22. In theexemplary embodiment the input devices may be used for providingidentifying inputs such as indicia read from cards, numerical data orbiometric data which may be used to identify a particular user of themachine and/or their accounts. In addition the exemplary input devicesare also operative to receive transaction inputs which cause the ATM tocarry out selected transaction functions. It should be understood thatthese input devices are exemplary and in other embodiments other typesof input devices may be used. The exemplary user interface 15 furtherincludes output devices. The output devices of the exemplary embodimentinclude a display 24, a speaker 26 and a headphone jack 28. The outputdevices of the exemplary embodiment are operative to output indiciaeither visual, audible or both, which are usable to operate the ATM. Ofcourse the output devices shown in user interface 15 are exemplary andin other embodiments other or additional output devices may be used.

The exemplary ATM 10 further includes other transaction functiondevices. These transaction function devices include a receipt printer 30which is operative to provide receipts to users of the machine. As shownin more detail in the interior view of the machine shown in FIG. 2, thereceipt printer includes a paper supply 32 which supplies paper on whichreceipts are printed by a printer mechanism 34. Printed receipts arethen transported to the receipt opening in the fascia 12 by a transport36. In exemplary embodiments the receipt printer used may be of the typeshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,075, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. Of course in other embodiments othertypes of receipt printers may be used.

The exemplary ATM 10 includes on the fascia as shown in FIG. 1, a cashdispensing opening 38 and a cash accepting opening 40. Each of theseopenings is in operative connection with corresponding transactionfunction devices as later discussed, and each has an associated gatemechanism which operates to block access through the opening except atappropriate times during transactions by authorized users. In theexemplary embodiment the cash dispensing opening is shown controlled bya gate 42 and the cash accepting opening is controlled by a gate 44. Itshould be understood that the fascia and devices associated with ATM 10are exemplary and in other embodiments other or different fasciaconfigurations and devices may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the user interface of the machine includes aplurality of multicolor light emitting devices 17, 31, 41, 43 and 45.Each of the light emitting devices is positioned at a location adjacentto the location on the user interface which is associated with aparticular transaction function device. For example, light emittingdevice 17 is positioned adjacent to the opening to card reader 16.Likewise, light emitting device 31 is positioned adjacent to the slotfor delivery of receipts. Likewise, light emitting device 41 isassociated with cash-accepting opening 40, and light emitting device 43is associated with cash-dispensing opening 38. As later explained, inthis exemplary embodiment the multicolor light emitting devices areselectively operated to output light of a particular color responsive toconditions of the associated transaction function device. Such featuresmay be used to guide a user in operation of the machine, provideindications concerning the status of devices, alert a user to particularconditions, or provide improved aesthetics for the machine.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, ATM 10 includes a housing 46 which extendsgenerally on an interior side of wall 14. Housing 46 includes a chestportion 48. In the exemplary embodiment chest portion 48 is a generallysecure chest which has a safe-like access door 50. Access to theinterior of the chest portion is limited to authorized personnel througha suitable locking mechanism schematically indicated 52 (see FIG. 3). Inthe exemplary embodiment the chest is generally L-shaped in crosssection.

Housing 46 further includes an upper portion 54. Upper housing portion54 which is in connection with the fascia, is in supporting connectionwith the chest portion 48. In the exemplary embodiment upper housingportion 54 has in association therewith, access doors 56 and 58. Accessto the upper housing portion is controlled by one or more lockingmechanisms in operative connection with access doors 56 and 58 asrepresented by key locks 60 and 62. In the exemplary embodiment thesecure chest portion 48 is used to house financial instrument sheetssuch as currency notes, checks and other valuable sheets. The upperhousing portion 54 is generally used to house components of the machinethat do not hold on an extended basis notes or other financialinstrument documents which can be redeemed for value. Of course itshould be understood that the construction of ATM 10 is exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

As schematically shown in FIG. 2, ATM 10 includes at least onecontroller schematically indicated 64. In the exemplary embodimentcontroller 64 includes at least one processor and is in operativeconnection with at least one data store schematically indicated 66. Inthe exemplary embodiment the data store is operative to hold datarepresentative of instructions such as computer programs, configurationparameters, data about transactions conducted and other information thatmay be usable in the operation of the ATM 10.

Controller 64 is in operative connection with numerous transactionfunction devices within the ATM, and is operative to control theoperation thereof in accordance with its programming. Controller 64 isshown schematically in operative connection with devices 68, 70 and 72.It should be understood that this representation is schematic only andis intended merely to represent numerous components within the machinewhich are in operative connection with the controller. For example thetransaction function devices may include moving devices such as motors,solenoids and other devices that are operative to impart motion tocomponents. Likewise transaction function devices may include sensorssuch as radiation sensors, proximity sensors, switches and other typesof sensors that are operative to sense items, conditions, properties,characteristics or components within the ATM and to enable a controllerto perform functions in accordance with its programming. Transactionfunction devices include output devices such as sound emitters and lightemitting devices. For example and without limitation, transactionfunction devices may include the card reader, display, keyboard,function keys, printer, cash dispenser, cash acceptor, storagemechanisms and other devices previously discussed as well as otherdevices within the machine which are operative in response to thecontroller.

In the exemplary embodiment the controller is also in operativeconnection with a communications device schematically indicated 74. Thecommunications device is operative to communicate messageselectronically between the ATM 10 and other computers in financialtransaction processing systems. These may include for examplecommunications with systems operated by banks, credit card networks,automated clearinghouses and other entities. In FIG. 2 thecommunications device 74 in the ATM 10 is schematically shown asproviding communication with a financial institution 76 through anetwork 78. It should be understood that this communicationconfiguration is exemplary and in other embodiments other communicationarrangements may be used.

As represented in FIGS. 2 and 6, in the operative position of ATM 10 thehousing 46 houses a sheet acceptor mechanism 80 which is also referredto herein as a cash acceptor mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment themechanism 80 is operative to accept sheets from a machine user throughthe opening 40, to analyze each sheet for at least one property orcharacteristic, and to route the sheets selectively for storage withinthe housing of the machine based on the characteristics analyzed. Itshould be understood that in various embodiments these sheets mayinclude currency notes, checks or other financial instrument sheets. Itshould further be understood that in exemplary embodiments the financialinstrument sheets may be sheets comprised of different types of materialsuch as paper, plastic or combinations thereof. It should further beunderstood that references herein to a cash acceptor mechanism shall bedeemed to encompass mechanisms which handle not only currency notes, butalso other financial instrument sheets such as checks, money orders,gift certificates, vouchers, etc.

As represented in FIG. 2, cash acceptor mechanism 80 includes a chute 82which extends through opening 40 in fascia 15 in its operativecondition. As previously discussed the user accessible opening to chute82 is controlled by a movable gate 44. Gate 44 moves responsive to thecontroller 64 and enables authorized users to access the chute atappropriate times during transaction sequences.

In operation of the machine users are enabled to insert a stack offinancial instrument sheets schematically indicated 84, into the chute.The stack 84 may comprise currency notes, checks or other forms offinancial instrument sheets.

In operation of the cash acceptor mechanism sheets are individuallyseparated from the stack by a picker mechanism 86, an exemplaryembodiment of which is later discussed in detail. Each picked sheet istransported individually from the picker mechanism past the validatordevice schematically indicated 88. The validator device 88 of theexemplary embodiment is operative to determine at least onecharacteristic of each sheet. This may include for example adetermination as to whether the sheet is a note or check and if a note,the denomination and whether it is valid. If the document is a check, adetermination may be made as to whether the check is genuine as well asthe indicia associated with the maker of the check and the amountthereof. For example in some exemplary embodiments the validating devicemay be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,415, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively or additionallya validating device having features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,554,185, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,may be used. Of course in other embodiments other types of validatingdevices such as imagers, readers, sensors and combinations thereof maybe used. For example, in some embodiments the sheet accepting device maybe operative to image instruments such as checks and provide data whichcan be stored and transmitted as an electronic reproduction of thatcheck. In such circumstances an electronic reproduction of the check maybe transmitted to remote locations so as to facilitate review andvalidation of the check. Alternatively or in addition, the electronicrepresentation of the check may serve as a substitute for the physicalpaper check which thereafter enables the paper check to be cancelled andsubsequently destroyed.

In the exemplary embodiment of the cash acceptor mechanism 80, sheetswhich have been analyzed through operation of the validator device 88are moved through a transport 90 to a routing device 92. The routingdevice is operative responsive to the controller 64 to route sheetsselectively to either an escrow device 94 or to a transport 96. Escrowdevice 94 generally operates to hold sheets in storage on a temporarybasis. Such an escrow device may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,371,368, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Escrow device 94 may be operative to accept sheets and store them.Thereafter responsive to operation of the controller 64 the escrowdevice may deliver those sheets to the routing device 92 which directsthem along sheet paths in the machine to carry out transactions. Ofcourse it should be understood that the escrow device shown is exemplaryand in other embodiments other types of escrow devices may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment transport 96 is used to receive unacceptablesheets which have characteristics that do not satisfy certain parametersset by the machine. These may include for example, notes which have oneor more characteristics which suggest that they are counterfeit. Inother embodiments such sheets may include checks which have propertieswhich suggest that they are reproductions or forged or otherwiseunacceptable. Of course in other embodiments other sheets may be deemedunacceptable. As schematically represented in FIG. 2, sheet acceptormechanism 80 is operated to cause transport 96 to deposit suspect sheetsschematically indicated 98 in a storage area 100. In the exemplaryembodiment the suspect sheets are stored within the cash acceptormechanism and outside of the secure chest so that they may be recoveredby servicing personnel in a manner that is later discussed. Of coursethis approach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In the exemplary embodiment the cash acceptor mechanism 80 is operativeresponsive to signals from the controller 64 to cause financialinstrument sheets that are determined to be valid or otherwiseacceptable, to be directed through a cash accepting opening 102 thatextends in an upper surface 104 of the chest. In the operative positionof the cash acceptor mechanism shown in FIG. 2, the transport in thecash acceptor mechanism is aligned with the cash accepting opening and atransport 108 that extends into the secure chest. As schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 2, in the operative position of the cash acceptormechanism 80 at least one driving member 110 of the transport 106 is inoperative connection with a driven member 112 of the transport 108. Inthe exemplary embodiment this enables the cash acceptor mechanism totransmit movement to sheet handling mechanisms within the secure chestand to assure coordinated movement of processed sheets therein. Furtherin the exemplary embodiment the driving and driven members extend in thecash accepting opening so as to block access therethrough byunauthorized persons as later discussed.

In the exemplary embodiment when the cash acceptor mechanism is movedfrom the operative position shown in FIG. 2 to a servicing position suchas shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the driving member 110 and the drivenmember 112 disengage. In some exemplary embodiments the movement of thecash acceptor mechanism from the operative position to a servicingposition may include movably mounting the cash acceptor mechanism suchthat the mechanism moves both upward away from the secure chest so as todisengage the driving and driven members as well as outward for purposesof servicing. Of course to return the cash acceptor mechanism to theoperative position, movement thereof is made both inward and downward soas to reengage the driving and driven members. This may be accomplishedby a combination of slides, rollers or other suitable mechanisms. Ofcourse the approach described of providing for engagement between thecash acceptor mechanism and a mechanism for handling sheets within achest portion is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used, or the transport within the chest portion may have a separatemotor or other moving device.

As shown in FIG. 2, transport 108 which moves sheets generally in avertical direction through the cash accepting opening is in operativeconnection with a horizontal transport schematically indicated 114. Thehorizontal transport is operative to engage sheets moved into the chestportion and to move them transversely away from the cash acceptingopening. The horizontally extending transport 114 is in operativeconnection with a vertically extending transport 116 which istransversely disposed from the cash accepting opening in the securechest.

Vertical transport 116 is operative to move sheets selectively intoengagement with sheet handling mechanisms 118, 120, 122 and 124. In someexemplary embodiments sheet handling mechanisms 118, 120, 122 and 124may be sheet stacking mechanisms such as those shown schematically inFIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively or in addition in other embodiments one ormore of the sheet handling mechanisms may include sheet receiving anddispensing mechanisms which are operative to selectively accept sheetsfor storage as well as to dispense sheets therefrom. Examples of sheetaccepting and stacking mechanisms as well as sheet accepting, stackingand dispensing mechanisms which may be used in some exemplaryembodiments are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,302,393 and6,290,070, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated byreference.

As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the exemplary sheet accepting andstacking mechanism 118 is selectively operative to accept a sheet 126moving in the vertical transport 116. Sheet 126 is guided to engage thesheet handling mechanism 118 through movement of a gate member 128. Thegate member moves responsive to the controller 64 to direct the leadingedge of the sheet into a recess 130 of a rotatable member 132. As theleading edge of the sheet 126 enters the recess 130 the rotatable member132 rotates in the direction of Arrow R. This causes the gripper portionbounding the recess 130 to move inwardly capturing the sheet 126therein. The rotatable member 132 rotates until the leading edge of thesheet 126 engages a stop surface 136 at which time the gripper portion134 has moved radially outward such that the sheet disengages from therotatable member 132 and is integrated into a sheet stack 138. Stack 138may be for example a stack of currency notes all of which are of thesame denomination. Of course in other embodiments the stack 138 may be acollection of other types of sheets.

In the exemplary embodiment the stack is maintained in abutting relationwith the rotatable member by a biasing plate 140 which acts against theback of the stack. The biasing plate 140 is movable responsive to abiasing mechanism 142 which is operative to enable the stack to increaseor decrease while maintaining the sheets in an appropriately alignedposition. Further details related to an exemplary embodiment of thesheet handling mechanism are described in the incorporated disclosure ofU.S. Pat. No. 6,302,393.

FIG. 5 further shows the exemplary operation of exemplary sheet handlingmechanisms 118 and 120. In this case a sheet 142 moving in transport 116is enabled to pass the rotatable member 132 when the gate member 128remains retracted as the sheet passes. This enables the sheet to move toother sheet handling mechanisms such as sheet handling mechanism 120.This arrangement enables sheets having particular characteristics to bestored together, for example, valid currency notes of differentdenominations to be collected in stacked relation in selected sheetstorage areas. Alternatively in other embodiments sheets of similartypes such as checks may be segregated from other financial instrumentsheets such as notes or travelers checks. In still other embodimentssheets which are to be recycled such as suitable fit currency notes canbe segregated from valid yet worn or soiled currency notes which are notsuitable for providing to customers. It should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a security plate 144extends within the secure chest in intermediate relation between thehorizontal transport 114 and the note storage mechanism such as thestorage area 146 associated with sheet handling mechanism 118. Thesecurity plate 144 in the exemplary embodiment is secured within theinterior of the secure chest and is adapted to prevent unauthorizedaccess through the cash accepting opening 102 in the chest. This may beaccomplished by securing the security plate 144 to the walls boundingthe interior of the secure chest or other suitable structures. As can beappreciated because in the exemplary embodiment the upper housingportion 54 houses the sheet acceptor mechanism 80, it is generallyeasier to access the area housing the sheet acceptor mechanism than thesecure chest. In cases where criminals may attack ATM 10 and attempt toremove the sheet accepting mechanism, ready access through the cashaccepting opening is first blocked by the driving and driven members andother components of the transports 106 and 108. However, in the eventthat criminals attempt to clear away the transport mechanism components,access to the stored sheets in the note storage mechanisms is stillblocked by the security plate. FIG. 11 shows greater detail of the cashacceptor mechanism 180 retracted to a servicing position so as to exposethe cash accepting opening. In the exemplary embodiment the cashacceptor mechanism is movably mounted in supporting connection with thechest portion on suitable slides or other members. As can be appreciatedin this exemplary embodiment the security plate 144 operates to separatethe cash accepting opening 102 from the notes or other valuablefinancial instrument sheets which are stored below the security platewithin the secure chest. Of course the security plate is exemplary andother forms of security plates or other structures may be used.

In an alternative embodiment the ATM includes a bulk storage container260 shown in FIG. 20 for holding currency bills, notes, checks or otheritems that have been deposited into the machine. The container 260includes a top wall 262 with an opening 264 which corresponds to opening102 in the chest when the container 260 is in the operative position.Container 260 includes a transport 266 which transports items that passthrough the opening 264 into an interior area 268 of the container. Ahorizontal transport 270 is operative to move deposited itemstransversely away from the opening 264. A security plate 272 ispositioned to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the interiorarea 268. A further transport 274 is operative to move deposit itemssuch as currency sheet 276 to a suitable location for being dispatchedinto the interior area 268 below the security plate. Deposited itemsschematically represented 278 are held within the interior area of thecontainer 260.

In the exemplary embodiment the container 260 includes a bottom wall280. The interior area 268 is bounded by a shaker member 282 that isdisposed vertically above the bottom wall. In the exemplary embodimentthe shaker member comprises a resilient flexible membrane 284. A rigidplate 286 extends in underlying relation of a central portion of themembrane. Flexible supports 288 support the rigid plate 286 above thebottom wall 280. The flexible supports further enable movement of therigid plate and membrane relative to the bottom wall. In exemplaryembodiments the rigid supports 288 may include springs or other memberswhich enable relative vertical and/or horizontal movement of the bottomwall and the rigid plate.

In the exemplary embodiment an actuator 290 extends in intermediaterelation between the bottom wall and the rigid plate. In exemplaryembodiment the actuator is an electrical vibrating device which isoperative to shake the rigid plate and overlying membrane. The shakingaction of the actuator 290 is operative to impart shaking motion to thedeposited items 278 that are in supporting connection with the membrane.This facilitates the dispersal and settling of deposited items andenables a relatively larger quantity of such items to be collectedwithin the interior area 268 before such items need to be removed. Inexemplary embodiment the actuator 290 is electrically connected to thecircuitry within the machine through a releasable connector 292. Thisfacilitates removal of the exemplary container as hereafter discussed.In addition, in some embodiments the moving devices for transportswithin the container may be supplied with signals and/or electricalpower through the releasable connector.

In operation of the machine, the interior area 268 of the container 260is in operative connection with the opening 38 in the housing of themachine through which deposited items are accepted. The deposited itemsare passed through the cash accepting mechanism or other mechanism forprocessing such items. Items appropriate for deposit in the containerare passed through the opening 102 in the top of the chest. Such itemsare transported by the transports 266, 270 and 274 to the area below thesecure plate 272 and accumulate within the interior area 268.Periodically responsive to the controller, the actuator 290 operates toimpart shaking motion to the deposited items 278 within the interiorarea. This facilitates settling of the items so as to densely pack theitems therein. Sensors 294 may be included within the interior area soas to sense the deposited items. The controller may be operative tocause the actuator to shake deposited items responsive to the sensingthe level of such items by the sensors. Alternatively the controller maybe operative to shake deposited items based on elapsed time, number ofitems deposited, or other programmable bases. In the exemplaryembodiment the sensors 294 may be in operative connection with thecontroller through the releasable connector 292.

The exemplary container 260 is removably mounted within the securechest. The exemplary container is supported on rollable supports 296.The rollable supports 296 may be castors, wheels, ball rollers or othertype items that enable more ready movement of the container in a loadedcondition. In the exemplary embodiment upon opening of the secure chestthe container 260 is enabled to moved outward from the chest. This isfacilitated by a servicer grasping a handle 298 which is attached to thecontainer. The releasable connector 292 is enabled to be disconnected sothat the container 260 can be pulled outward from the secure chest. Asshown in greater detail in FIG. 21, in the exemplary embodiment thehandle 298 is a telescoping handle that is enabled to be moved upwardonce the handle has cleared the secure chest. This facilitates movingthe container outside of the ATM. Thereafter the container may be movedto a suitable location by the handle away from the ATM for purposes ofremoving the contents. This may be, for example, an area within a vaultor other secure room in which the items within the container may beprocessed.

As represented in FIG. 21, the container 260 in the exemplary embodimentincludes a door 300. Access to door 300 is controlled by one or morelocks represented 302. In the exemplary embodiment door 300 is shownhinged at a side toward the chest door so as to reduce the risk ofpersons obtaining unauthorized access to the interior of the containerwhen the container is within the machine. Once the container has beenmoved to a suitable location, the lock 302 may be unlocked, the dooropened, and deposited items removed. After the items have been removed,the door 300 may be returned to the closed position. Thereafter thecontainer may be reinstalled in the machine with the handle 298 beingretracted so as to enable the container to again be aligned with opening102. Further, the releasable connector 292 may be reconnected so as toagain enable operation of the container within the machine.

As can be appreciated, the exemplary container 260 is enabled to hold asubstantial quantity of deposited items. Further, the constructionincluding the rollable supports and telescoping handle facilitatesmovement of the loaded container out of the ATM and the container intothe ATM. It should be understood that the container is exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used. These may include, forexample and without limitation, containers which include multipleinterior areas in which deposited items are supported on shakingmembers. Such embodiments may achieve, for example, a separation ofdeposited notes, checks and/or envelopes by denomination or deposittype, and achieve more densely packed storage within a particularinterior compartment within the container. In addition or in thealternative, in other embodiments shaking members may be provided onside walls or on top walls bounding the container so as to facilitatethe shaking of deposited items and the packing and storage thereof. Inaddition or in the alternative, containers may be used in someembodiments in conjunction with sheet handling mechanisms such thatcertain sheets are stored precisely positioned in containers forpurposes of stacking and/or recycling while other sheets are stored inbulk within a container or compartment within a container. Thesealternatives are encompassed within the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 7 through 10 schematically describe an exemplary embodiment of thepicker mechanism 86 used in the cash accepting mechanism 80. In thisexemplary embodiment the stack of sheets 84 is positioned in the chute82 and is in supporting connection with a generally angled lower surface148. Moving members 150 and 152 are operative to engage the stack andselectively rotate responsive to a motor or other mechanism in thedirection of Arrow P so as to move the stack into generally abuttingrelation with an engaging surface 154. Positioned adjacent to theengaging surface 154 in proximity to the lower surface 158 is an idlerroll 156 which is a generally free wheeling roll. The engagement of thestack 84 of the engaging surface 154 and the face of the roll 156 isoperative to splay the sheets as shown.

The picker mechanism 86 further includes a generally cylindrical pickingmember 158. Picking member 158 is rotatable selectively by a motor orother driving member responsive to the controller 64. The picking memberduring picking operation rotates in the direction of Arrow P as shown.Picking member 158 further includes high friction arcuate segments 160which in the exemplary embodiment serve as sheet engaging portions andwhich extend about a portion of the circumference of the picking member.

Picker mechanism 86 of the exemplary embodiment further includes aplurality of rolls 162 that serve as non-contact stripper rolls in amanner later discussed. The picking mechanism further includes a contactstripper roll 164 which biasingly engages the high friction segments 160of the picking member.

As represented in FIG. 8, the picking member is a generally cylindricalmember that includes a plurality of annular recesses 166. The outersurface of the non-contact stripper rolls 162 extend into acorresponding annular recess 166, but are generally not in strippingengagement therewith. As represented in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.8, the outer surface of the non-contact stripper rolls 162 are disposedslightly away from the base of the annular recess. As a consequence theouter surface of the non-contact stripper rolls which serve as a firststripper portion are not positioned to be in direct contact strippingengagement with the picking member. However, because the surface of suchrolls is disposed in close proximity thereto and generally enables onlya single sheet to pass between the picking member and the non-contactstripper rolls, the separation of a single sheet from other sheets isgenerally achieved. It should be understood however that while in theexemplary embodiment the non-contact stripper rolls are disposedslightly from the picking member, in other embodiments such rolls orother stripper members may operate to actually contact the pickingmember but may be of such resilient consistency or other properties thatthe rolls are not in a biased contact stripping engagement as is thecase with the contact stripper roll 164.

As shown in FIG. 8 the contact stripper roll is biased to engage acentral sheet engaging portion 168 of the picking member. This centralsheet engaging portion is generally centered with regard to sheets thatare moved by the picker mechanism 86. This reduces the tendency ofsheets to twist or skew as they are being moved in the picker mechanism.Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The operation of the exemplary picker mechanism 86 is represented inFIGS. 9 and 10. The picker mechanism is operative to separate sheetsindividually from the stack 84. This is done by sequentially picking afirst sheet 170 which bounds the lower end of the stack while moving thefirst sheet in a first direction generally indicated by Arrow F so as tomove the sheet away from the stack. To accomplish this the controller 64operates motors or other moving mechanisms to cause the moving members150 and 152 to rotate as the picker mechanism 168 similarly rotates in acounterclockwise direction as shown. The rotation of the picking membercauses the high friction arcuate segments 160 which serve as sheetengaging portions to engage a lower face of the first sheet and pull thesheet in intermediate relation between the picking member and thenon-contact stripper rolls 162. As the first sheet is moved the idlerroll 156 rotates to facilitate the movement of the first sheet betweenthe picking member and the non-contact stripper rolls.

The non-contact stripper rolls 162 are in operative connection with aone-way clutch 172 such that the first stripper rolls remain stationarywhen the first sheet is engaged therewith and moving in the direction ofArrow F. Because the resistance force provided by the non-contactstripper rolls against the face of the sheet engaged therewith is lessthan the moving force imparted to the opposed face of the sheet, thefirst sheet 170 is moved into intermediate relation between the pickingmember and the non-contact stripper rolls. This causes the sheet toassume the cross-sectional wave configuration shown in FIG. 10. This iscaused by the sheet being deformed by the non-contact stripper rollsinto the annular recesses 166 of the picker member. This cross-sectionalwave configuration is generally operative in combination with theopposing force applied by the non-contact stripper rolls, to separatethe first sheet from other sheets that may be moving therewith from thestack.

As the first sheet 170 moves further in the direction of Arrow F asshown in FIG. 9, the leading edge of the sheet then engages the contactstripper roll 164 which is biased to engage the sheet engaging portionsof the picking member. The contact stripper roll is also in operativeconnection with a one-way clutch 174 such that in the exemplaryembodiment the contact stripper roll remains stationary as the firstsheet moves in the direction of Arrow F. The engagement of the contactstripper roll and the first sheet operates to displace the contactstripper roll so as to enable the sheet 170 to move in intermediaterelation between the contact stripper roll and the central sheetengaging portion 168. The resistance force of the non-contact stripperroll is generally operative to separate any sheets other than the firstsheet 170 from moving in the direction of Arrow F.

As shown in FIG. 9 the sensor 176 is positioned adjacent to the contactstripper roll in the exemplary embodiment. Sensor 176 is operative tosense the presence of double sheets which may have been able to pass thenon-contact and contact stripper rolls. Suitable sensors in someembodiments may be those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,241,244 and6,242,733, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. Upon sensing a double sheet the controller of the machine isenabled to make additional attempts to strip the sheet as laterdiscussed. However, in the event that only a single sheet is sensed thepicker member 158 continues moving in the counterclockwise directionuntil the leading edge of the sheet reaches takeaway rolls 178. In theexemplary embodiment takeaway rolls are operative to engage the sheetand to move the sheet in the cash accepting mechanism toward thevalidator device 88. In the exemplary embodiment one rotation of thepicking member is operative to separate one sheet from the stack.

In the event that the sensor 176 senses that a double sheet or othermultiple sheet has been able to pass the contact and non-contactstripper rolls, the controller of this exemplary embodiment is operativeto stop the movement of the picker member 158 in the counterclockwisedirection as shown prior to the first sheet 170 being disengagedtherefrom. Thereafter the controller is operative to reverse thedirection of the picker member 158 and the moving members 150 and 152 soas to move the first sheet back toward the stack. Through the operationof one-way clutches 172 and 174 the contact stripper roll 164 and thenon-contact stripper rolls 162 are enabled to rotate in acounterclockwise direction as shown so as to facilitate the return ofthe sheets to the stack. Thereafter the controller may operate thepicker mechanism 86 to again pick a single bill. Repeated attempts maybe made until a single sheet is separated from the stack so that it maybe processed by the cash acceptor mechanism.

It has been found that the exemplary embodiment of the picker mechanism86 is well adapted for separating various types of financial instrumentsheets having different properties. In general, sheets such as currencynotes that are new or other types of sheets which have generallyconsistent properties of rigidity and friction from sheet to sheet areseparated through the operation of the picker mechanism and thenon-contact stripper rolls. However, in situations where rigidity andfrictional properties vary substantially from sheet to sheet, thecontacting stripper roll which subsequently engages the sheets afterthey have engaged the non-contact stripper rolls is effective inseparating sheets that would not otherwise be separated. This may beparticularly helpful for example in processing sheets that may includeplastic and paper currency notes, checks or other documents that havesignificantly variable properties and which are mixed together in astack from which the sheets must be individually picked.

It should be understood that while picking rolls and cylindrical membersare used in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments other pickingand stripping structures such as belts, pads, fingers and other membersmay be used.

The exemplary embodiment of ATM 10 comprises a through-the-wall typemachine in which the fascia is exposed to the elements. As a result,rain and snow may impact on the fascia and in the absence of suitablemeasures may enter the machine. As can be appreciated the cash acceptingopening 40 in the fascia must be sufficiently large to accept the chute82 which holds a stack of documents 84 as previously discussed. Duringtransactions when an authorized user indicates that they wish to insertthe stack of sheets into the chute, the gate 44 must be opened whichresults in exposure of the chute to the elements.

To minimize the risk posed by rain and snow to the currency acceptormechanism 80, the exemplary embodiment includes the capability tocapture and direct from the machine moisture which may enter the chute.The approach used in the exemplary embodiment is represented in FIGS. 17through 19. As shown in FIG. 17, the lower surface of the chute 148includes at least one water accepting opening 180 therein. In theexemplary embodiment the water accepting opening comprises one or moretroughs which extend transversely across the lower surface of the sheet.Of course in other embodiments other approaches may be used. The fluidaccepting openings are in fluid connection with a conduit schematicallyrepresented 182 which is in fluid connection with a drain 184 whichdelivers the water outside the ATM. As represented in FIGS. 18 and 19the trough 180 is in operative connection with a fluid fitting 184 whichconnects to a generally flexible fluid conduit 182 such as a tube. Theconduit 182 connects to the drain 184 which in the exemplary embodimentincludes a cavity at a lower side of the fascia and which includesopenings through which the water may drain to the outside of the machinehousing.

In the exemplary embodiment a tube support 186 is positioned to controlthe direction of the tube and assure drainage when the cash acceptormechanism is in the operative position as well as when the cash acceptormechanism is in a service position such as is shown in FIG. 12. In theexemplary embodiment the tube support minimizes the risk of the fluidconduit being crimped or otherwise assuming a position which preventsthe drainage of water from the interior of the chute to the outside ofthe machine. It should be understood, however, that the approach shownis exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment, provision is made to minimize the risk ofmoisture entering the ATM in the area of the cash accepting openingthrough which the chute 82 extends in the operative position of the cashacceptor mechanism 80. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the exemplaryembodiment a resilient gasket 188 extends in surrounding relation of thechute 82 in the area adjacent to the fascia. The resilient gasket issupported on a front face of the cash acceptor mechanism. As shown inFIG. 19, when the cash acceptor mechanism 80 is positioned such that thechute extends through the cash acceptor opening 40 in the fascia, theresilient gasket is positioned in sandwiched fluid tight relationbetween the front face of the cash acceptor mechanism and the interiorface of the fascia. As the seal provided by the gasket extends insurrounding relation of the chute, the risk of moisture or othercontaminants entering the ATM through the cash acceptor opening isminimized. Of course it should be understood that this approach isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As discussed in connection with FIG. 2, the cash acceptor mechanism 80in response to operation of the validator device 88 and the controller64 determines at least one characteristic indicative of whetherfinancial instrument sheets are acceptable to the machine. In theexemplary embodiment unacceptable sheets may be suspect sheets such aspotentially counterfeit notes, invalid checks or other unacceptabledocuments. When such documents are detected, they are directed to astorage area 100 which in the exemplary embodiment is within the cashacceptor mechanism and outside the chest portion. Periodically theseunacceptable sheets must be recovered by servicing personnel forpurposes of either verifying the invalidity of the sheets or forpurposes of tracing the sheets to the user who placed them in themachine. In the exemplary embodiment such sheets are recoverable byauthorized persons who have access to the upper housing portion 54 butwho may be prevented from having access to the chest 48 where documentsdetermined to be valid are stored.

In the exemplary embodiment access to the storage area 100 is controlledby a suitable access device. In one form of such an access device shownin FIG. 12, an opening 190 is provided to the storage area 100. Accessto the opening is controlled by a flip-down access door 192. In someembodiments, the flip-down access door 192 may be opened only when thecash acceptor mechanism 80 has been moved rearward to extend outside ofthe housing subsequent to opening access door 58. In some embodimentsthe flip-down access door may be provided with a locking mechanism 194such as a key lock or other suitable locking mechanism. As a result inthis exemplary embodiment in order to access the sheets in the storagearea 100, the user could be required to have the necessary capabilitiesthrough keys, combinations or otherwise to unlock both lock 62 on accessdoor 58 as well as lock 194 and flip-down door 192 in order to accessthe sheets. It should be understood, however, that although in theembodiment shown the cash acceptor mechanism 180 is shown retracted outof the machine to facilitate opening the flip-down door and extractingthe sheets, in other embodiments the flip-down door may be sized,segmented or otherwise adapted such that the cash acceptor mechanism maynot need to be retracted from its operative position in order to accesssheets in the storage area 100.

FIG. 13 shows yet a further alternative for accessing sheets in thestorage area 100. In this exemplary embodiment an opening 196 isprovided through the storage area so as to enable access to the sheetstherein. Access through opening 196 is provided to a sliding door 198.Door 198 is operative to slide along the direction of Arrow S in opposedtracks, slots or other suitable mechanisms for holding and guiding thedoor in supporting connection with the cash acceptor mechanism. In someembodiments door 198 may include a locking mechanism 200. Lockingmechanism 200 may be a suitable key, combination or other lockingmechanism for assuring that only authorized personnel are enabled toaccess the documents in the storage area. As can be appreciated fromFIG. 13, door 198 may be both unlocked and opened without having toretract the cash accepting mechanism rearward. In some embodiments thismay serve to speed servicing and the removal of invalid sheets from themachine.

FIG. 14 shows yet another exemplary embodiment for accessing sheets inthe storage area 100. In this embodiment an opening 202 is provided in arear face of the cash accepting mechanism 80. Access to opening 202 iscontrolled by a door 204. In the exemplary embodiment door 204 is asliding door adapted to be selectively moved in tracks, slots or similardevices. In some embodiments a suitable locking mechanism schematicallyindicated 206 is used to assure that only authorized personnel haveaccess to the door. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a transport 208is provided for moving the sheets in the storage area 100 to the servicepersonnel through the opening 202. A transport 208 may be operative inresponse to provided to input devices by the servicing personnel or maybe automatic responsive to the opening of the door 204. Of course itshould be understood that all of the approaches shown are exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary embodiments suspect notes or other documents arecorrelated with particular transactions conducted at the machine and/orwith particular users of the machine. This may be accomplished throughoperation of the validator and the controller. In some exemplaryembodiments the suspect documents in storage may be arranged in aparticular order and the controller is operative to provide one or moreoutputs such as through a screen or a printer indicating thetransactions and/or users which correspond to the suspect sheets.Alternatively or in addition, provisions may be made for the cashacceptor mechanism to be in operative connection with a printer whichprints transaction and/or user identifying information on each of thesuspect sheets. This may include for example, visible or non-visibleindicia. In some embodiments the indicia may be removable such asremovable labels or indicia that can be washed off or otherwise removedor neutralized. In other embodiment the characteristics determined bythe validator may be such that the data is sufficiently detailed and oftypes that create a unique electronic profile of each suspect sheet.This data can be stored at the machine in a data store through operationof the controller or elsewhere in a connected data store. This sheetidentifying data may then later be used by a servicer or other personsrecovering or analyzing the suspect sheets to correlate each sheet withthe transaction and/or user that provided the sheet to the machine. Thismay be done in some embodiments by putting the machine controller in amode for such analysis and feeding each suspect sheet through the cashacceptor mechanism. The controller may then operate to correlate thestored data related to the transaction and/or user with the stored datathat uniquely identifies the sheet. Such information is then provided toa user of the machine recovering the sheets. Alternatively, suchanalysis may be conducted by transferring data away from the machinealong with the suspect sheets, and conducting the analysis at anothervalidator. Of course these approaches are exemplary of approaches thatmay be used to uniquely identify a suspect sheet and associate it with auser and/or a transaction.

In the exemplary embodiment of the cash acceptor mechanism 80, it isdesirable to maintain the interior components of the cash acceptormechanism isolated and in sealed relation except when access is requiredfor servicing. As can be appreciated, while the exemplary embodimentpositions the cash acceptor mechanism in intermediate relation between avertically extending wall of the generally L-shaped chest and the wallof the housing to provide enhanced security, it also presents challengesfor servicing. While the ability of the exemplary embodiment to move thecash acceptor mechanism rearward through a service opening of the ATMfacilitates servicing, problems are still potentially presented by theneed to have to remove cover panels and the like. Further, there isalways a risk that cover panels, once removed, will not be replacedresulting in infiltration of contaminants to the cash acceptor mechanismand causing malfunctions or failures.

To reduce the risk of service persons not replacing service panels, theexemplary embodiments of the invention are made to minimize the riskthat service panels will be removed and not replaced. As shown in FIG.15, in one exemplary embodiment a side service panel 210 is mounted inhinged relation in supporting connection with the cash acceptormechanism. This enables the service panel 210 to be opened once the cashacceptor mechanism has been moved rearward from the machine. Thisenables ready access to the components within the machine. In additionin this exemplary embodiment, the front service panel 212 is mounted inhinged relation adjacent the front of the cash acceptor mechanism. Thisfront service panel enables access to components accessible through afront opening of the cash accepting mechanism.

As can be appreciated because of the hinged character of service panels210 and 212, the panels may be readily opened. However, the hingedmounting makes it difficult for a technician to entirely remove thepanels from the machine. Further the cash acceptor mechanism cannot bereturned to service without closing the service panels. Of course as canbe appreciated, suitable latching mechanisms or other holding devicesmay be used so as to assure that once the service panels are returned totheir closed position, they remain therein until such time as theservice panels need to be opened again for servicing.

FIG. 16 shows yet a further schematic view of an alternative approach toproviding service panels on the cash acceptor mechanism 80 that provideprotection for internal components and yet can be readily removed forservicing. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, service panels 214 and216 are provided such that they can move in the direction indicated bythe adjacent arrows. Service panels 214 and 216 in the exemplaryembodiment are mounted in channels, slots or other suitable devices onthe cash acceptor mechanism for guiding and holding the panels inposition. The useful aspect of the service panels shown in FIG. 16 isthat the cash acceptor mechanism 80 need not be removed from theoperative position in order to open the interior of the mechanism bymoving the service panel. Indeed in the exemplary embodiment, servicepanel 214 may be entirely removed exposing the components of the cashacceptor mechanism without moving the cash acceptor mechanism from theoperative position. Service panel 216 which may include the front facesupporting the resilient gasket, may be made more readily removable bymoving the gasket relative to the chute. The ability to remove servicepanels may be particularly useful in situations where a service personneeds to observe the cash acceptor mechanism in operation in order todiagnose and remedy certain problems.

In some embodiments it may be desirable to include devices to assurethat the service panels 214 and 216 are reinstalled on the cash acceptormechanism after servicing procedures are completed. This may beaccomplished by including contact switches such as the contact switchschematically represented as 218 to sense when the service panels havebeen placed back in position. Such contact switches may limit theoperation of the cash acceptor mechanism until such panels are replaced.Alternatively the circuitry within the ATM may cause an alarm or otherindication to be given or may disable operation of the currency acceptormechanism if the access doors to the upper housing are closed and theservice panels have not been returned to their operative position. Ofcourse other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated, the arrangements of service panels shown in FIGS.15 and 16 for the cash acceptor mechanism are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary ATM 10 there is also included a mechanism fordispensing cash through the cash dispensing opening 38 in the fascia.This cash dispensing mechanism generally indicated 220 is schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 3. In the exemplary embodiment the cash dispensingmechanism is positioned in the higher side of the generally L-shapedchest and includes a plurality of note storage areas 222, 224, 226, 228,230 and 232. In some exemplary embodiments the note storage areas may behoused within removable currency cassettes which are suitable forholding notes and which may be readily removed from the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment each of the note storage areas is inoperative connection with a picker mechanism 234, 236, 238, 240, 242 and244. Each of these picker mechanisms are selectively operativeresponsive to controller 64 to selectively dispense notes or othersheets from the corresponding storage area responsive to appropriateinputs to input devices of the user interface. In some exemplaryembodiments the picker mechanisms used may be similar to the pickermechanism 86 used to separate sheets from a stack in the cash acceptormechanism 80.

In the exemplary embodiment a vertically extending transport 246 is inoperative connection with the picker mechanisms and a presentermechanism 248. In operation of the machine the presenter mechanism isoperative to receive sheets dispensed by the picker mechanisms and tomove the sheets upward through the transport 246 to accumulate thesheets into a stack schematically indicated 250. After the desiredsheets have been accumulated, the presenter mechanism is operative tomove the stack toward the cash dispensing opening 38 while thecontroller is operative to open the cash dispensing gate 42. Thisenables the stack of sheets to be dispensed to a user of the machine.

It should be understood that while in the exemplary embodiment the cashdispensing mechanism 220 has been described as dispensing variousdenominations of currency notes, in other embodiments the cashdispensing mechanism may dispense other types of sheets. These mayinclude, for example, travelers checks, stamps, vouchers, scrip, giftcertificates, or other documents. Further, in some embodiments the ATMmay be operative to dispense combinations of both notes and otherdocuments as may be requested by the user. Of course the mechanismsshown are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In operation of the exemplary ATM 10, a user operating the machineprovides inputs sufficient to identify the user's account through theinput devices of the machine. This may include, for example, providing acard and/or alpha-numeric data through the input devices which can becorrelated through operation of the controller in the machine and/or byinteraction with a remote computer to determine a financial account ofthe user. The controller thereafter operates the output devices of themachine so as to prompt the user to provide inputs and to select aparticular type of transaction or provide other inputs. In situationswhere the user wishes to conduct a cash accepting transaction, the ATMoperates responsive to the controller 64 to open the gate 44 to thechute 82 which enables the user to provide a stack of notes or otherdocuments into the machine.

In response to the user providing the stack of documents 84 and/or inresponse to inputs from the user, the cash acceptor mechanism 80operates to unstack the documents through operation of the pickermechanism 86 and to determine at least one of the characteristics ofeach document through operation of the validator device 88. Thedetermined characteristics of the documents may cause valid oracceptable documents to be routed through operation of the routingdevice 92 into the escrow device 94 where they may be temporarilystored. Also, the controller may operate the routing device 92 to directsuspect documents such as invalid documents or probable counterfeitnotes to the transport 86 and the storage area 100.

In the exemplary embodiment once the documents have been moved past thevalidator, the controller may operate to advise the user of themachine's determination with regard to the documents through outputsthrough one or more output devices. In some exemplary embodiments theuser may be offered the option to recover the valid or invalid documentsor both. This may be accomplished by the escrow device delivering thedocuments to the same or different transports such that the documentsmay be returned to the chute or other area of the machine that isaccessible to the user. Likewise if the option is offered, invaliddocuments may likewise be routed back to the user. Of course variousapproaches may be used depending on the particular machine configurationand the programming associated with the controller.

In the exemplary transaction, if the documents determined to be validare to be stored within the machine, the controller operates responsiveto inputs from the user and/or its programming to cause the escrowdevice 94 to deliver the documents. The documents are directed by therouting device 92 through the cash accepting opening 102 in the chest inwhich they are transported and stored in the appropriate sheet handlingmechanisms or in an appropriate bulk storage container. In the exemplaryembodiment the user's account is credited for valid sheets deposited.Information is collected concerning any invalid sheets provided by theuser so that if the sheets are later determined to be valid, the usermay be credited or alternatively the user may be contacted to determinethe source of the invalid sheets. Of course as can be appreciated, thistransaction is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

Using the exemplary ATM 10 a user may also conduct cash dispensingtransactions. This may be done either during the same session as a cashaccepting transaction or as part of a separate session. In such atransaction the user of the ATM provides inputs to the input devicesthat are sufficient to identify one or more accounts of the user and/orother identifying inputs. Responsive to prompts through the outputdevices, the user provides inputs indicating that they wish to conduct atransaction involving the dispense of notes or other types of sheets,and the amount, nature or character of the sheets that the user hasrequested.

Responsive to the inputs from the user the controller 64 is operative tocause the cash dispenser mechanism 220 and the picker mechanisms locatedtherein to deliver the requested sheets to the presenter mechanism 248,which is operative to accumulate the requested sheets into a stack 250.Once the sheets are accumulated, the sheets are moved outward to theuser as the gate mechanism is opened. Hereafter the controller operatesto cause the value of the dispensed cash or other sheets to be chargedto the user's account.

It should be understood that the transactions described are exemplaryand additional types of transactions may be carried out throughoperation of various embodiments. In addition as previously discussed,mechanisms that are operative to both accept and dispense cash such asthose described in the incorporated disclosures may be utilized assubstitutes for, or in addition to, the mechanisms described herein soas to carry out transactions. Other types of transaction functiondevices may be included in some embodiments. For example as previouslydiscussed, embodiments of the invention may be operative to image andvalidate checks. In such cases it may be desirable for the machine tohave the capability to cancel the check or destroy the check so there isno risk that the check may be later be stolen and used fraudulently. Insome embodiments suitable mechanisms may be provided for carrying outsuch functions. In addition it may be desirable in some embodiments tohave the machine produce bank checks, travelers checks, tickets or otherdocuments and suitable mechanisms may be provided for producing suchdocuments in the selected amounts. Further, in alternative embodimentsfeatures used by merchants such as devices for accepting deposit bags,dispensing rolled coin and other devices may be incorporated into an ATMor other automated banking machine having features described herein. Ascan also be appreciated, features of the exemplary ATM may also be usedin numerous other types of automated banking machines.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention include light emitting devices17, 31, 41, 43 and 45. In the exemplary embodiment the light emittingdevices are positioned in areas on the user interface at locationsassociated with particular transaction function devices. For example,light emitting device 31 is associated with the receipt printer 30 andlight emitting device 17 is associated with the card reader 16. In theexemplary embodiment the light emitting devices are in operativeconnection with the one or more controllers in the machine. In addition,such devices are capable of emitting light of selected colors atparticular times during the transaction responsive to the operativecondition of the transaction function device of the ATM with which thelight emitting device is associated.

In the exemplary embodiment the light emitting devices include an arrayof LEDs of different colors embedded on a flexible circuit. For example,FIG. 22 represents light emitting device 31. However, it should beunderstood that in the exemplary embodiment all the light emittingdevices are generally similar. Light emitting device 31 includes anarray of LEDs 304 connected through a circuit on a flexible substratesuch as a polymide film, for example, DuPont Kapton® material, andincludes a flexible connector portion 306. The flexible connectorterminates in an electrical connector 308. Electrical connector 308 isreleasably connectible to a driving circuit or other electrical circuitin the machine which operably connects to one or more controllers forpurposes of controlling the illumination of the light emitting device.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the exemplary embodiment the light emittingdevice includes three different color LEDs. These LEDs are red, greenand yellow, which are represented by “R,” “G,” and “Y” in the figures asshown. As represented in FIG. 23, in the exemplary embodiment the LEDsare in an array such that LEDs of only one color are vertically alignedalong a single line of the light emitting device. For example, as shownin FIG. 23, a line 310 comprises a line of vertically aligned red LEDs.As shown in FIG. 23, a line 312 is a line of only green LEDs, and a line314 of only yellow LEDs. As shown in FIG. 23, in the exemplaryembodiment the lines repeat so that there are five vertical lines ofeach color LED. It should be understood that while in the exemplaryembodiment the LEDs of each color are arranged in vertically alignedrelation, in other embodiments other arrangements such as horizontalalignment or other matrices of LEDs may be used. It should also beappreciated that although the LEDs are connected electrically in seriesas shown in FIG. 24, the electrical connections on the flexible circuitprovide for spaced vertically aligned pairs of LEDs of only one color.

As shown in FIG. 25, in the exemplary embodiment the light emittingdevices are supported in a flexible web. The web is thin in thepreferred embodiment, having a thickness of approximately 1.20millimeters. This facilitates the positioning of the light emittingdevices on the user interface. In the exemplary embodiment, LEDs whichare represented 316 and 318 are mounted on a base layer 320 includingthe circuit on a flexible substrate. An outer layer 322 which in theexemplary embodiment comprises a polyester layer overlies the LEDs. Aspacer 324 extends between the base layer and the outer layer. As bestshown in FIG. 23 multiple spacers may be used. In the exemplaryembodiment the spacers are positioned outboard of the LEDs and includeopenings 326 to facilitate positioning the light emitting devices on themachine. This may include, for example, extending pins, studs, orfastening devices through the openings so as to secure the lightemitting devices in the proper position. Further, in the exemplaryembodiment the release layer includes an underlying adhesive layer 328.The adhesive layer enables attaching of a light emitting device to aselected area within the machine. The adhesive layer is initiallyexposed for purposes of attaching the light emitting device by removalof an adhesive release layer 330 as shown in FIG. 25.

In an exemplary embodiment the light emitting devices are attached tocomponents of the machine with which they are associated. This may bedone, for example, by using modular construction for the transactionfunction devices within the machine and attaching the particular lightemitting device to the associated module. For example, FIG. 18 shows thecash accepting device 80 which is arranged as a modular device forpurposes of processing sheets that may be received in the machine. Inthe exemplary embodiment the associated light emitting device 41 ismounted in supporting connection with the module. The adjacent fasciaarea of the machine provides an opening through which the light emittingdevice may be viewed when it is in the operative position. In someembodiments the fascia of the machine may include a transparent ortranslucent material separating the light emitting device from theexterior of the machine. However in other embodiments the light emittingdevices may be exposed on the exterior of the machine. The attachment ofthe light emitting devices directly to the modular components of themachine may facilitate assembly and service of the machine. Placing thelight emitting device directly on the module of the transaction functiondevice with which it is associated, may reduce the amount of wiring andconnectors needed for purposes of assembly and service.

In the exemplary embodiment the multicolor light emitting devices areoperated under the control of one or more controllers in the machine.Each light emitting device is operated to emit light of a selected colorand/or in a selected manner responsive to the operative condition of anassociated transaction function device. For example, exemplary machinesmay be selectively programmable to emit a particular color lightresponsive to a given operative condition. For example, the lightemitting device adjacent to the card reader may emit green light when itis ready to receive the card of a user, and then change to a yellowlight after the card has been received therein. Alternatively or inaddition, lights of a different color may flash or alternate to reflectconditions of a particular device. Further, for example, in the event ofan improper action such as a user attempting to insert a card into thecard reader incorrectly, the controller may be programmed to have theassociated light emitting device emit red light or otherwise flash acolor of light so as to indicate to the user that they have donesomething improper. Similarly, if a particular transaction functiondevice is malfunctioning or not available, red light may be output.

In some exemplary embodiments the controller may be programmed so as toilluminate the light emitting devices to guide a user in operation ofthe machine. This may include, for example, illuminating or flashing aparticular colored light to indicate a required user activity at aparticular location on the machine. For example, at a particular time inthe transaction the controller may cause to be output on the display anindication to the customer that they are to take their receipt. When themachine has delivered the receipt, the controller may operate to causethe light emitting device 31 associated with the receipt delivery toilluminate, flash or otherwise indicate to the user that activity isrequired by the user in the area of the receipt delivery slot.

In some exemplary embodiments the controller may be programmed to causethe light emitting devices to selectively illuminate intermittently andfor a different duration depending on the operative condition of anassociated device. For example, if a user provides inputs so as torequest a cash-dispensing transaction, the light emitting device 43adjacent to the cash dispensing opening may illuminate in a yellowcondition as the machine operates internally to move bills toward thecash dispensing opening. Thereafter as the bills are pushed through theopening and presented to the user, the controller may cause the color ofthe light emitting device to change to green. In addition, thecontroller may cause the green light to flash so as to draw the user'sattention to the fact that the money is ready to be taken. Further, inan exemplary embodiment, if the user has not taken their cash after acertain time and the machine is programmed to retract it, the controllermay cause the light emitting device to flash or may operate so as toflash different colors in an alternating fashion so as to capture theattention of the user prior to the money being retracted.

In other embodiments, the colors emitted by the light emitting devicesmay be selectively programmed based on aesthetic reasons. For example,if the entity which operates the machine has particular trade dressinvolving certain colors the controller may be programmed to have thelight emitting devices correspond with that trade dress. Thus, forexample, if the particular entity's trade dress color is green, themachine may be programmed to utilize the green LEDs as lead-throughindicators in prompting the user in how to operate the machine. Likewiseif a different operating entity with a similar machine utilizes yellowas part of their trade dress scheme, the controller may be programmed toilluminate the yellow LEDs in the light emitting devices as thelead-through indicators.

It should further be understood that although the use of three color oflight emitting devices is shown, this is exemplary and in otherembodiments additional types of light emitting devices may be provided.In addition it should be understood that although light emitting devicesin the exemplary embodiment are arranged so that only one color may beoutput from a given light emitting device at a given time, in otherembodiments provision may be made to illuminate multiple color LEDssimultaneously. In such arrangements, LEDs in primary colors may beincluded so as to achieve ranges of hue through color combinations. Thismay be done by illuminating multiple light emitting sourcessimultaneously and/or varying the intensity of such sources throughoperation of a controller so as to achieve various colors. This mayinclude, for example, providing for a gradual change in the hue of thelight emitting device in accordance with the status of the associatedtransaction function device. This may include, for example, providing anindication to the user of the status of the completion of a particulartask. It should also be understood that although LEDs are used as thelight source in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments of theinvention other approaches may be used. It should be understood that thestructures and operations described are exemplary and numerous otherstructures and methods may be encompassed within the scope of thepresent invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of ATM 10, provision is made to facilitate auser's operation of the machine and to minimize the risk of personsimproperly observing a user or their activities. Such undesirableactivities may include, for example, unauthorized persons observing theuser's input of their PIN number or other data. As shown in FIG. 26,fascia 12 of the exemplary embodiment includes a recessed area 332 inwhich the display, function keys, card reader and receipt outlet arepositioned. This recessed area 332 is illuminated by a light source 334.Light source 334 provides illumination generally in the downwarddirection so as to enable the user to more readily view the locations ofthe input and output devices on the fascia of the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment the fascia 12 includes a top panel portion336 which is positioned generally above the light source 334 and theuser interface of the machine. As represented in FIG. 26, the top panelportion includes a pair of convex mirrors 338, 340. The convex mirrors338, 340 are generally horizontally disposed and are positioned atopposed sides of the user interface.

As represented in FIG. 27, a user 342 operating the ATM 10 willgenerally have their body aligned with the user interface 15 of themachine. As a result, the user is generally enabled to view in theconvex mirrors an area behind the user generally indicated 343. The useris enabled to do this by looking in the mirrors 338 and 340 to theuser's left and right, respectively. By looking in these mirrors, theuser is enabled to generally see what is going on behind them as well asin a transverse direction from the area directly behind the user. Thismay enable the user to determine if one or more persons are in theirproximity as well as whether such persons may be attempting to observethe user or their inputs to the ATM. In some embodiments where the ATMis operated in an external environment, lighting sources may be providedin the area 343 to facilitate the user's observation of persons who maybe present therein.

It should be understood that the arrangement shown is exemplary and inother embodiments other mirror or observation arrangements may be used.In addition, in some embodiments provision may be made to maintain thecleanliness of the mirrors so as to reduce the risk that the user'sability to observe surrounding activities is impaired. These provisionsmay include, for example, automated devices which wipe the surface ofthe mirrors periodically. These may be external wiping devices or insome embodiments internal wiping devices. This may be accomplished, forexample, by having the convex mirrors be part of a rotatable member thatmay be periodically rotated within the fascia so as to expose a newexternal surface. Cleaning devices on the interior of the fascia mayoperate to wipe contaminants from the surface of the mirror as it passesinternally such that further rotation exposes a clean mirror surface tothe user. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used. Further, the principlesdiscussed may be used with other types of automated banking machines andin other circumstances other than those described in connection with theexemplary embodiment.

Thus the automated banking machine and system of the exemplaryembodiments may achieve one or more of the above stated objectives,eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices andsystems, solve problems and attain the desirable results describedherein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes andare intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to theparticular means shown in the foregoing description or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: (a) operating at least one automated bankingmachine picking member to cause a first sheet to move in a firstdirection away from a stack of financial instrument sheets, wherein theat least one picking member includes a plurality of sheet engagingportions adapted to engage the first sheet, wherein the sheet engagingportions are spaced from at least one first stripper portion, whereinthe at least one first stripper portion is adapted to provide firstdirection sheet movement resistance, wherein at least one cooperatingsheet engaging portion of the sheet engaging portions engages at leastone second stripper portion, wherein the at least one second stripperportion is adapted to provide first direction sheet movement resistance,wherein the at least one picking member includes at least one recess,wherein the at least one recess extends in the first direction, whereinthe at least one recess is between adjacent sheet engaging portions ofthe at least one picking member, wherein the at least one first stripperportion extends in generally aligned relation with the at least onerecess; and (b) operating the at least one picking member to cause thefirst sheet to further move away from the stack, wherein the first sheetmoves between the at least one picking member and the at least one firststripper portion, wherein the first sheet engages the at least one firststripper portion, wherein the first sheet moves between the at least onecooperating sheet engaging portion and the at least one second stripperportion, wherein the first sheet engages the at least one secondstripper portion.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one picking member is located in an automated banking machine,wherein the machine includes at least one currency dispenser, a cardreader, a biometric data reader, and at least one computer, and furthercomprising (c) operating the card reader to read card data received froma machine user; (d) operating the biometric reader to read biometricdata received from a machine user; (e) responsive to at least one ofsteps (c) and (d), determining that the machine user is an authorizeduser of the machine.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein in step(b) the first sheet engages the at least one first stripper portionprior to engaging the at least one second stripper portion.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein in step (b) the at least one secondstripper portion moves out of engagement with the at least onecooperating sheet engaging portion.
 5. The method according to claim 4wherein in step (a) the at least one cooperating sheet engaging portionand the at least one second stripper portion are in biased abuttingengagement.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein in step (a) theat least one first stripper portion extends in the at least one recess.7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one firststripper portion comprises at least one non-contact sheet stripperroller, wherein in steps (a) and (b) the at least one non-contact sheetstripper roller is out of contact with the at least one picking member,wherein the at least one second stripper portion comprises at least onecontact sheet stripper roller, wherein in step (a) the at least onecontact sheet stripper roller is in contact with the at least onepicking member, and wherein in step (b) the at least one contact sheetstripper roller is moved out of contact with the at least one pickingmember.
 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least onepicking member comprises a generally cylindrical picking member, andwherein the at least one recess comprises an annular recess in thepicking member.
 9. The method according to claim 8 wherein the at leastone first stripper portion extends in the annular recess.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 8 wherein the plurality of sheet engaging portionsinclude a high friction arcuate segment which circumferentially extendsless than a full circumference of the picking member.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein in step (b) the movement of the first sheetbetween the at least one picking member and the at least one firststripper portion imparts a cross-sectional wave configuration in thefirst sheet extending transversely to the first direction.
 12. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the financial instrument sheets inthe stack include both plastic and paper sheets.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the financial instrument sheets in thestack include both currency notes and financial checks.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the financial instrument sheets comprisecurrency notes.
 15. The method according to claim 1 wherein thefinancial instrument sheets comprise financial checks.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the at least one picking member is locatedin an automated banking machine, wherein the machine includes at leastone currency dispenser.
 17. The method according to claim 16 and furthercomprising: (c) operating the currency dispenser to dispense currencyfrom the machine.
 18. The method according to claim 16 wherein themachine includes a stack acceptor mechanism, and further comprising: (c)prior to step (a), receiving the stack with the stack acceptor mechanismfrom a machine user.
 19. A method comprising: (a) rotating a generallycylindrical picking member of an automated banking machine about an axisto engage a first sheet in a stack of financial instrument sheets,wherein the picking member includes a plurality of sheet engagingportions and annular recesses, wherein each engaging portion is axiallyseparated from an adjacent engaging portion by a respective annularrecess, wherein at least one non-contact sheet stripper roller isgenerally aligned with and extends in a respective recess withoutcontacting an engaging portion, wherein the at least one non-contactsheet stripper roller is adapted to provide sheet movement resistance,wherein at least one contact sheet stripper roller is nonaligned with arecess and is in contact with a respective engaging portion, wherein theat least one contact sheet stripper roller is adapted to provide sheetmovement resistance; (b) subsequent to step (a), moving the first sheetbetween the picking member and the at least one non-contact sheetstripper roller; and (c) subsequent to step (b), moving the first sheetbetween the picking member and the at least one contact sheet stripperroller, wherein the at least one contact sheet stripper roller is movedout of contact with the respective engaging portion.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 19 wherein the machine includes at least one currencydispenser, and further comprising: (d) operating the currency dispenserto dispense currency from the machine.
 21. A method comprising: (a)rotating a generally cylindrical automated banking machine pickingmember about an axis to engage a first sheet in a stack of financialinstrument sheets, wherein the picking member includes a plurality ofsheet engaging portions and annular recesses, wherein each engagingportion is axially separated from an adjacent engaging portion by arespective annular recess, wherein at least one non-contact sheetstripper roller is generally aligned with and extends in a respectiverecess without contacting an engaging portion, wherein the at least onenon-contact sheet stripper roller is adapted to provide sheet movementresistance, wherein at least one contact sheet stripper roller isnonaligned with a recess and is in contact with a respective engagingportion, wherein the at least one contact sheet stripper roller isadapted to provide sheet movement resistance; (b) subsequent to step(a), moving the first sheet between the picking member and the at leastone non-contact sheet stripper roller; and (c) subsequent to step (b),moving the first sheet between the picking member and the at least onecontact sheet stripper roller, wherein the at least one contact sheetstripper roller is moved out of contact with the respective engagingportion.